Save Money and the Environment with a Connected Home

The environment has been a hot topic for many years, and that is becoming more true as things like taxes on carbon usage become a part of our lives. Now, more than ever, having an efficient home can have a huge impact on your wallet and the environment.

Most importantly, the Alberta government is helping people take action with energy efficiency rebates. Many products are eligible for rebates, which can help lower initial setup costs on products that can help you save money for years to come.

How can opting for smart home products help you achieve energy savings and help you do your part for the environment? Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Learn to Cut Down on Heating and Cooling Expenses

One thing that often shocks many homeowners is the monthly utility bill. At the end of an especially hot or cold month, the utility bills can be downright scary. Can a connected home change this?

While utility bills are always an unwelcome hit to the wallet, a connected home outfitted with a learning thermostat like the models offered by Ecobee can make those utility bills have a little less bite.

Ecobee thermostats do so much more than simply allow you to turn the temperature up and down. Of course, you can do that using your voice or a connected device like a smartphone. The real magic is in the intelligence behind the device.

Using local weather reports, Ecobee can make efficient use of your equipment to anticipate temperature changes.

This smart thermostat can also detect when no one is home and adjust the temperature accordingly. Plus, the smart sensors ensure that the entire home is comfortable to meet your needs.

Quickly Draw the Blinds and Keep Out the Heat

A hot, sunny day can cause your air conditioner to be running overtime as it fights the warming effect of the sun on the inside of your home. This is an inefficient use of power and, ultimately, an unnecessary expense for your family.

Hunter Douglas offers shades that can be automatically opened or closed based on your own schedule. Close blinds on one side of your home during the heat of the day, then open them when the sun has moved further away.

This simple change in schedule can have a massive influence on the temperature of your home and, in turn, the cost of your utility bill.

Better Tracking for Better Results

You can’t fix the problems that you aren’t aware of. One of the best features of connected devices is the wealth of information available at your fingertips. Track how long lights have been on to maximize your schedule and reduce energy usage. See tips for energy efficiency from your thermostat. You can even get a monthly emailed update showing how you did in relation to the people in your area.

All of this is additional information to help you make better choices using the features of your connected home.

Of course, this article only gives an initial introduction to connected home devices that help you improve efficiency. If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an expert consultation.

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